Tom Gamble of 49ers appears to be front-runner as Jets continue search for GM

FILE - In this Sept. 3, 2009 file photo, New York Jets Chairman and CEO Woody Johnson, left, and General Manager Mike Tannenbaum talk prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The New York Jets have fired Tannenbaum and say coach Rex Ryan will be back next season. Johnson said in a statement Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, that "like all Jets fans, I am disappointed with this year's results." (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
(The Associated Press)

The New York Jets are moving forward with their search for a new general manager, with San Francisco 49ers executive Tom Gamble appearing to be the front-runner to replace Mike Tannenbaum.

Gamble, the 49ers' director of player personnel, met with the Jets over the weekend, and he canceled a second interview with Jacksonville and postponed a meeting with San Diego for their GM vacancies, according to published reports.

New York also spoke with Atlanta director of player personnel David Caldwell.

The Jets are still expected to interview Marc Ross, the Giants' director of college scouting, and in-house candidate Scott Cohen, the team's assistant GM under Tannenbaum. The meeting with Ross will satisfy the NFL's "Rooney Rule," which mandates that teams must interview at least one minority candidate for front-office and head coaching jobs.